When I say my brother and his wife are heterosexual, that doesn't mean I'm talking about their sex lives. Likewise, when we say someone is gay, we're talking about sexual orientation, not their sexual activity.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the difference between sexual orientation and sexual activity in discussions about identity.
Vito Russo addresses the misconception that discussing someone's sexual orientation, such as being heterosexual or gay, inherently involves their sexual activities or intimate lives. He highlights the importance of understanding that sexual orientation is about identity and attraction, rather than the explicit details of sexual behavior, which often leads to misunderstandings and misplaced judgments about individuals.
In practice
In a discussion about LGBTQ+ rights, this quote can help clarify the importance of understanding sexual orientation.
How you must have suffered getting accustomed to me, my savage, solitary soul, my name that sends them all running. So many times we have seen the morning star burn, kissing our eyes, and over our heads the grey light unwinds in turning fans.
I waited for my daughter, Billie, to come to me with her troubles - but I'm glad I didn't hold my breath.
I feel like my dating life has become a national pastime, and Im not comfortable providing that entertainment anymore.
When we set out on the path, we always have a fairly clear idea of what we hope to find. Women are generally seeking their Soul Mate, and men looking for Power. Neither party is really interested in learning. They simply want to reach the thing they have set as their goal.
Don't trust the person who has broken faith once.
Plain women know more about men than beautiful women do.
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